I'm going to put new shocks on my dakota and all i can find for a little taller shocks are rancho shocks that say they fit 4wd dakotas. What I've read said that 4wd shocks will fit the 2wd dakota but I wanted to get clarification on this. WIll they fit? It seems to me they should but then at the same time why do they specify 2wd and 4wd shocks? Let me know thanks

 

The 4wd shocks are longer when compressed for one. Remember that they mount in a different position than on a 2wd truck.

These are the specs for a Sensatrac.

2wd:

Compressed: 14.625"
Extended: 22.750"
Travel Lenght: 8.125"

4wd

Compressed: 15.375"
Extended: 24.625"
Travel Length: 9.250"

 

Why are you looking for "taller" shocks? Is your truck lifted?

 

but shocks are never fully compressed or extended. Your shocks don't hold the vehicle up your springs do so I can't see having a little longer shocks would hurt anything. the shocks can only extend and compress only in the distance of suspension travel. just my opinion

 

True, but if the shocks are too long, they'll bottom out. And that can get ugly, since shock mounts weren't meant to handle the weight of a truck slamming down on them.